In a rain-hit Sri Lanka Women vs India Women encounter at Khettarama, India Women wrapped up a comprehensive nine-wicket win over Sri Lanka Women in a 39-over game. The shortened contest, played after morning showers, witnessed the Indians dominating the hosts across departments.
With spinners running amok and Pratika Rawal stabilizing the chase with a free-flowing fifty, the Sri Lanka Women vs India Women match finished in a one-sided manner.
Sneh Rana Sparks Collapse, Sri Lanka Crumble from 54/1 to 147 All Out
Sri Lanka appeared quite stable at 54 for 1 before a superb bowling spell by Sneh Rana tore apart their innings. Rana’s tight lines and astute variations prompted a sensational collapse, with Sri Lanka losing their last nine wickets for a mere 93 runs.
Rana came back with fine figures of 3 for 32 in 8 overs, taking two exceptional return catches. Her spell not only halted the scoring but also destroyed Sri Lanka’s middle order.
The turning point was when Hasini Perera, Sri Lanka’s highest scorer with 30 runs, got trapped LBW by Rana, a ball that most likely would have clipped the middle stump. A mix-up later had Harshitha Samarawickrama get run out, leaving behind a vulnerable middle order that couldn’t come back.
India’s Spinners Dominate: 7 Wickets Shared
India’s spin bowling was clinical during the Sri Lanka Women vs India Women match. Apart from Rana’s three-wicket performance, Deepti Sharma contributed two wickets, and debutant N Sree Charani made an immediate impact with two crucial wickets in her first international game.
Charani also got her maiden international wicket when Kavisha Dilhari top-edged a sweep for a catch by the infielder. She struck again in taking another wicket, emerging as the pick among the four debuts (two each) made in the game.
India Chase 148 Comfortably: Rawal and Mandhana Shine
Pursuing a humble target of 148, the Indian top order made light work of the run chase. Smriti Mandhana had a blistering start, making 43 from 46 deliveries, lashing short balls on the leg side with impeccable timing and placement.
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While Mandhana was dismissed with the score at 54, caught and bowled by Inoka Ranaweera, the momentum was India’s. Pratika Rawal led the chase with a measured and composed 50 not out off 62 balls, her talent for holding the innings together evident. She hit six boundaries, with an excellent cover drive off Dilhari being a highlight.
Harleen Deol Offers Finishing Touch
Batting at No. 3, Harleen Deol followed her string of consistent innings with a respectable 48 not out off 71 balls. She, with Rawal, ensured that no hiccups remained as India went over the mark with 9.2 overs in hand and nine wickets intact.
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